Do ferruginous hawk live in America?

Quick Answer

Yes, ferruginous hawks do live in America. The ferruginous hawk is a large bird of prey found in the open grasslands, sagebrush areas, and deserts of western North America. Its range extends from southwestern Canada through the western and central United States, south to northern Mexico. Though they have undergone population declines in parts of their range, ferruginous hawks remain a relatively common sight in the American West.

What is a Ferruginous Hawk?

The ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) is a large, broad-winged hawk native to the open grasslands, shrublands, and deserts of western North America. Some key facts about the ferruginous hawk:

• It gets its name from its rusty brown or “ferruginous” color.
• It is one of the largest hawks in North America, with a wingspan of over 4 feet.
• It is sometimes called a “grasshopper hawk” because grasshoppers are a major food source.
• Main prey also includes rodents, rabbits, snakes, and other small mammals and reptiles.
• Nests are built on cliffs, trees, or utility poles; nests can be up to 5 feet wide.
• Females lay 2 – 4 eggs per clutch.
• It is sometimes considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and declines in parts of its range.

With its broad wings and reddish-brown coloring, the ferruginous hawk cuts an impressive figure soaring over the open American West. It relies on its acute vision to spot prey animals scurrying over the ground below. Though territorial and solitary, ferruginous hawks may gather in groups where food sources are abundant.

Range and Distribution in North America

The ferruginous hawk inhabits the arid and semi-arid regions of western North America. Its breeding range extends from southwest Canada through the western United States, reaching as far south as northern Mexico.

Within the United States, ferruginous hawks are found breeding in the following states:

• Washington
• Oregon
• California
• Idaho
• Nevada
• Utah
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Colorado
• Wyoming
• Montana
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Nebraska
• Kansas
• Oklahoma
• Texas

During winter, ferruginous hawks may migrate south to the southern United States and Mexico. However some individuals remain year-round throughout much of the breeding range.

The center of the ferruginous hawk’s breeding range is the Great Plains grasslands of the central United States and southern Canada. They reach their highest densities in areas such as eastern Colorado, eastern Wyoming, southwestern South Dakota, and northwestern Texas.

Ideal Habitat

Ferruginous hawks inhabit open grasslands, sagebrush areas, desert scrub, and fringes of pinyon-juniper woodlands. Their ideal habitat features:

• Open terrain with high vantage points for hunting
• Low vegetation like grasses, shrubs, and cacti
• Rocky outcrops, hillocks, or trees for nesting
• Good prey availability, especially ground squirrels, pocket gophers, and rabbits

They avoid dense forests as well as developed areas. Highest population densities occur in grasslands with low human disturbance.

Population and Conservation Status

According the Partners in Flight Landbird Population Estimates database, the total population of the ferruginous hawk is estimated at about 25,000 breeding pairs. Population trends vary across the range:

• Increasing in the northern Great Plains
• Stable or increasing in the southwest
• Declining in some areas, including Oregon, California, and the southern edge of the breeding range

The ferruginous hawk is considered a Species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not currently vulnerable to extinction at the global level. However, local declines due to habitat loss and degradation have led it to be listed as Threatened at the state level in some parts of its range, such as Washington.

Major threats include:

• Conversion of grasslands to agriculture
• Habitat degradation from livestock grazing
• Increased fossil fuel extraction disrupting habitat
• Prey declines due to rodent control and habitat loss
• Shooting and human disturbance at nest sites

Conservation priorities include protecting intact grasslands, managing livestock grazing sustainably, maintaining prey populations, and reducing human disturbances to nesting hawks. With appropriate habitat management, the ferruginous hawk population can remain stable across North America.

Ferruginous Hawk Behavior and Hunting

The ferruginous hawk is an opportunistic hunter that utilizes several techniques to catch prey:

Still-hunting

Perching on an elevated vantage point like a rock, bush, or fence post, the hawk watches intently for prey movement below. Once spotted, it glides down swiftly to grab the prey with its talons.

Low-flight hunting

Flapping just above the ground, the hawk flies low over the landscape using the contours and vegetation to mask its approach. Its broad wings allow superb maneuverability to chase and capture fleeing prey.

High-flight hunting

From high vantage points, the hawk scans the terrain below. When prey is spotted, it goes into a steep dive to strike. Ferruginous hawks can dive at speeds over 150 mph.

Cooperative hunting

During peak prey abundance like prairie dog towns or vole population spikes, multiple ferruginous hawks may hunt the same area simultaneously. This cooperative hunting improves their success.

Favored prey includes ground squirrels, pocket gophers, voles, mice, rabbits, and snakes. The hawks avoid eating reptiles and amphibians that secrete toxins from their skin.

Hunting occurs mainly in daylight hours with peak activity in early morning and late afternoon. At night they roost on low perches or even on the ground.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Ferruginous hawks reach sexual maturity and begin breeding around 3 years of age. Courtship activities start as early as December, with most nest-building occurring March through May.

Key aspects of their reproduction and life cycle:

• Monogamous pairs mate for life and return to the same nesting sites annually.
• Massive nests 5 feet wide are built of sticks, grass, and animal dung.
• Nests are located on cliffs, trees, utility poles, or the ground.
• Females lay 2 – 4 eggs that hatch after about 32 days incubation.
• Young fledge at around 6 weeks but remain dependent on parents for 2 more months.
• Average lifespan in the wild is 13 years; oldest known wild hawk was 20 years old.

Both parents share responsibilities of nest construction, incubation, and feeding the young. Fledglings follow parents to learn hunting skills.

Threats to eggs and nestlings include severe weather, predators like raccoons, and human disturbance. Adults may aggressively defend nests from perceived threats.

Ferruginous Hawk vs. Red-Tailed Hawk

The ferruginous hawk and red-tailed hawk occupy some of the same range and habitat. Here’s how to distinguish these two common North American raptors:

So in summary, ferruginous hawks are significantly larger and paler than red-tailed hawks. They occupy more open habitats and specialize in hunting ground squirrels. But both are widespread and important raptor species in North America.

Spotting Ferruginous Hawks

Here are some tips for spotting ferruginous hawks out in the wild:

• Scan for large birds perched on fence posts, utility poles, or other high vantage points.
• Watch for broad-winged hawks soaring over open shrublands and grasslands.
• Listen for loud alarm calls from ground squirrels or prairie dogs, which may indicate a hunting ferruginous hawk.
• Visit areas of high populations during nesting season like Colorado, Wyoming, or Saskatchewan.
• Use binoculars to distinguish light plumage and bulky build compared to other raptors.
• Search near areas with abundant prey like prairie dog towns or pocket gopher mounds.
• Be respectful by keeping distance from nests and not approaching too closely.

With their impressive size and coloring, a soaring ferruginous hawk is a highlight for any birder lucky enough to spot this regal western raptor. Just be sure to observe ethical birdwatching practices and not disturb these majestic hawks.

Ferruginous Hawk Facts Summary

To recap key facts about the ferruginous hawk:

• Large raptor of the open country in western North America
• Named for its rusty brown plumage
• Hunts ground squirrels, rabbits, and other small mammals
• Nests on cliffs, trees, or utility poles
• Threatened by habitat loss and degradation
• Population stable or increasing in some regions
• Conservation relies on protecting grasslands
• Impressive soaring ability thanks to huge wings
• Distinct from the more widespread red-tailed hawk
• Remains a symbol of the American West’s wild, open spaces

So in summary, yes, the ferruginous hawk does live in America as a resident raptor of the western United States and Canada. With appropriate conservation measures, this regal hawk can continue grazing western skies for generations to come.